The Pastor's Message

Dear Parishioners,

As we hear in the Gospel today, Jesus came to speak of God’s love and this message was not always well received by the people of His time, or any time since.  It often caused strife and division among His listeners.  He came to light the world on fire with each person’s faith and He said “Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division.”

Change is difficult for everyone, and it often brings on division and bickering.  The most important thing to remember is that Jesus wants us to be on fire for our faith and be willing to share our faith with others.  Sometimes we might think that our experience of prayer and faith is the same as everyone else, but we are individuals and therefore need to appreciate the differences we might have.  We must recognize that what is important is our belief in God, Jesus, and our Catholic teachings.

Often there is a division between family members about their faith, and this division can be a time of turmoil for the family.  Parents can be divided against their children and children against their parents.  Siblings can also be divided against each other, and this division can cause conflict, resentment, anger, and estrangement.  It is in respectful conversation that a family can overcome the division and reinstate peace and harmony.  We are better able to encourage others by treating one another with respect; however, we must also encourage others to be firm in their faith and share their faith with conviction and zeal.  This is what Jesus is calling us to in the Gospel today.

Fr. George P. Blais
 

Dear Parishioners,

“Be Prepared.”  This is the theme of this week’s Gospel.  Jesus challenges us to always be ready for His return because no one knows the day nor the hour when He will return.  He tells us that we should be like men awaiting our master’s return from a wedding feast.  In His further explanation, He tells the disciples and us that we have been given much and much is expected of us.  This expectation is not a payment for what we have received, but an act of gratitude.

When we are young, we may think that we have a lot of time ahead of us and may be more likely to take risks and lead lives that might not be pleasing to God because we think that we have time to reconcile.  As we get older, we tend to be more cautious and focused on our eternal life, but Jesus is telling all of us, no matter what age we are, that we need to be ready for His return. 

We have been given many gifts from God because everything we have, our time, talents, possessions, and life are from Him.  What we do with these gifts are our gifts back to Him and are a sign of our gratitude.  When we recognize this reality, we are expected to respond out of gratitude and not fear.

The Responsorial Psalm this week is, “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be His own.”  This psalm reminds us that we have been chosen by the Lord and this reality should bring us joy.  Our response to this joy is how we share our lives, love, and gifts with others.  Because we know the Lord, more is expected of us than the person who does not know the Lord.


Fr. George P. Blais